The ENDGAME, FLOYD, and YOU

yes, this is the end game, but there are still a few things you can do which are very easy, inexpensive, and may improve the lives of untold numbers of people during the y2k rollover and the next hurricane, flood, blizzard or whatever.

#1--is your church (or your parents' or kids' church) or your fraternal organization's club building registered with the red cross to be a shelter? don't know? then call the church and find out. if they say no, then urge them to call the red cross and do it, as there is some minimal paperwork to fill out, but you cannot wait until the disaster is upon you, you must be registered in advance. then make sure it gets done, asap.

i was appalled to read that evacuees from Floyd were tired, hungry, and thirsty, and had to go past churches which offered them nothing. my husband and i have attended 2 different congregations in the past 11 years, and we personally got both of them registered wth the red cross.

#2--idea for new year's eve. why not ask your church (or your fraternal organization) to host a new year's party at the church (or club) now that you are registered as a shelter? you could have an open house day december 31 and offer activities and programs later in the day. have your emergency lighting, heating, etc ready in case some of the people need to stay. the point of this is to be together as a believing community, ready to do work, and also ready to assuage each other's anxieties. think of it as a "hurricane party for believers" whatever your particular beliefs may be.

you get the drift. you can also call the red cross or your church's relief organization to check on their plans and offer your assistance, etc etc etc. please don't bother commenting unless you have already made sure your church or club building is registered, which should take only a few minutes of your time.